Samtengang Winter Trek

Price:$2,640

This four day trek is a short and pleasant journey from Punakha to the Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag (district). It is a fairly easy trek as the altitude only ranges between 1100-1900m and the climate is warm throughout the hike.

The path takes you through forests of rhododendron and oak, through the villages of Sha and Chungsakha and across the longest foot bridge in Bhutan. While this trek is possible throughout winter the best times to embark on it are between March-April and September and October. The trail is approximately 54km in length.

Day to Day Itinerary

Upon arrival at Paro International airport, you will be met by your guide. In the afternoon, you will have an opportunity to explore the beautiful town of Paro.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Day 2Day 2: TAKTSANG MONASTERY OR TIGER’S NEST (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we will drive you to the trail head to commence a climb through beautiful pine forest. We will stop for light refreshments at the Taktsang cafeteria before walking on to the famous, Taktsang monastery or Tiger’s Nest. The primary Lhakhang or main temple was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in the east.

After lunch, we will visit Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress), 16 km away from Paro. Although it is now in ruins, this Dzong has great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion. On a clear day one can view sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (mountain of Goddess). We will also visit Ta Dzong (built in 1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”), the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Day 3Day 3: PARO – THIMPHU (B/L/D)

A drive along the winding road by the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) downstream to the confluence with the Wang Chu, then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu, Bhutan’s scenically located capital city. Lunch will be at your hotel. In the afternoon, you will visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the late Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body which includes the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4Day 4: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (B/L/D)

Today, drive to Punakha via the Dochula Pass (3150m). On the way stop to see the spectacular array of chortens, to enjoy the superb view over the snow capped Himalayan mountains and also to the Gasa Dzong at a distance if the weather is clear.

Your journey then continues through varying scenes of greenery all the way to Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong. The impressive Punakha Dzong lies between two great rivers. The names of the rivers are Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). This Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the district Administration.

The 4-day trek begins today. After passing majestic Punakha Dzong you cross a footbridge over the Pho Chhu River and walk up to Shengana. This is the longest bridge in Bhutan. You then climb gradually through the forest until you reach Limukha. Make sure you are carrying enough water as you won’t find any on the way to Limukha.

The path today takes you through rhododendron and oak forests to Chhungsakha. Chhungsakha is a small village of about 10 houses. You will find a holy stone and an impressive Cypress tree here that are reminders of Drukpa Kuenley, the “divine madman”.

You walk downhill until you cross Pe Chhu before climbing again through the village of Sha on your way to Samtengang. Near the school in Samtengang you will see a small lake and your campsite is right next to it. .

The trail leads steeply downhill on a treeless slope to the road head at Chhuzomsa. Then we will drive through to Thimphu via Wangduephodrang. In the afternoon you will have a 2-3 hour drive through mountain forested country to Thimphu.

Farewell dinner with traditional dance and overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Day 9Day 9: THIMPHU – SIGHTSEEING – PARO (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we will drive to Dodeyna to climb through a beautiful forest track to the Tango Monastery which overlooks a forested valley and other Buddhist retreats high in the mountains. Then we will visit the mini zoo at Motithang to see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. If you wish we can then visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs and other items in the shops of Thimphu. In the evening, we will drive through to Paro.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Day 10Day 10: PARO – PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (B)

In the morning drive to Paro International Airport where your Bhutanese guide will bid you farewell as you embark on your onward journey.

Price Includes

Airport transfers

Best A class tourist hotels (3-4 star range)

Three meals (B/L/D) a day

Bottled mountain spring water, juices and fruits during trek

Sightseeing guided by a professional tour guide

All travel by private buses (Toyota coaster buses for local transport)

Cultural entertainment performed by local traditional dancers

All government royalties and taxes

Laundry services

Price Excludes

Personal expenses

Medical and Insurance of any kind

Tipping for guide and drivers

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